Boudoir Guitar
Rock Star
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- 3,916
Just leave room on that pedalboard for the JVM foot switchI'd almost like to channel these funds into a pedalboard build to use with an amp. I've got some great drives and a wah or 3 but nothing else
Just bought a Fryette LX. Thanks Whizz!
- Thread starter JiveTurkey
- Start date
GuitarBilly74
Roadie
- Messages
- 223
Sounds like the FM is not outputting true line level signal for some reason. The solution would probably be a mic preamp to go between the FM and the power amp, something simple like a Rolls MP13 or Presonus TubePre would probably do it, but since we know that power amp days are counted, get a JVM.I did not. It's in the FM levels. It's punishing with a different preamp driving it. I'm sure I could futz around a bunch more with it but I'm not sure I care to.
I'd almost like to channel these funds into a pedalboard build to use with an amp. I've got some great drives and a wah or 3 but nothing else
northern_fox
Roadie
- Messages
- 453
This is it - I've found all my digital gear to be substantially quieter than analog preamps. The worst was the quad cortex in that respect. The FM *can* get loud enough to match, but what you may need to do is use output 1 instead of 2 with a TRS -> TS and at an almost clipping level. If you measure the voltage of the output (use the looper or something) and you can get it up to around 1V then that's about on par with line level / the analog stuff - you can verify by measuring the 5150 preamp out. Generally I've found most of my digital is about half that when I've got it set with "reasonable" headroom. Right now I use an MXR 10 band after my dimehead pedal and push it up 8-10 dB into the LXII.
It's a frustrating issue I've had with every modeler -> power amp situation with a loud band. Either you need way overpowered amps or you need to crank the level as hot as you can.
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- 5,812
For the Frac-heads, out of curiosity, other than it looking weird, what’s wrong with cranking the level in the output block as long as it’s not clipping? If that’s what it takes to get JT’s output on par with his analog preamp hitting the same power amp, it’s not damaging anything since the power amp is getting hit that hard by the preamp. It’s just a psychological thing about setting the output block level high on the FM3?
northern_fox
Roadie
- Messages
- 453
Nothing - but the thing to look out for is the actual output meter on the utility menu (not just the preset output block). It won't clip until that green meter actually hits the top, no matter what the output block reads
- Messages
- 5,812
Is the faceplate output meter on the Axe the same as the meter you see in the utility menu?
northern_fox
Roadie
- Messages
- 453
That I have no idea actually - I would guess so but it'll be harder to judge the level. My FM3 doesn't have it but does have red clip lights which do not always indicate audible clipping.
jellodog
Rock Star
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- 4,498
But who is the one on trial here?
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- 6,489
jellodog
Rock Star
- Messages
- 4,498
@JiveTurkey Which output are you using on the FM3 to drive the power amp?
Output 1 or Output 2 ?
And if you're using Output 2, is it configured as "Output 2 copy Output 1" ?
Output 1 or Output 2 ?
And if you're using Output 2, is it configured as "Output 2 copy Output 1" ?
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- Messages
- 5,812
That’s ultimately what I’m wondering. If none of the metering indicates an issue or clipping, then what is the actual problem with having the output turned up, beyond the psychological effect that something must be “wrong” by doing so. I mean the LX doesn’t care what’s sending it a signal or how, so if cranking the FM’s output to match the output that an analog preamp would send, doesn’t seem like it would be an issue from the power amps perspective.
JiveTurkey
Goatlord
- Messages
- 16,463
Output 2. Set to copy output 1.
jellodog
Rock Star
- Messages
- 4,498
Excellent! This means we've identified the source of your volume issue.
You're likely not getting the +4dB max with it set like this.
Cliff comments on this specific FM3 Output 2 configuration, related volume issues and the solution here:
OUT 2 Low volume
I have configured the FM3 same as my Ax8 Guitar is tickling the Red, OUT 1 is plenty loud. TRS Stereo to a mini board and HS-8 Using Factory patches OUT 2 I am to a Friedman ASC12, same as before using 1/4in to XLR. This used to melt my face at half volume now, not at all. something is wrong...
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- Messages
- 5,812
Excellent! This means we've identified the source of your volume issue.
You're likely not getting the +4dB max with it set like this.
Cliff comments on this FM3 Output 2 configuration and the solution here:
OUT 2 Low volume
I have configured the FM3 same as my Ax8 Guitar is tickling the Red, OUT 1 is plenty loud. TRS Stereo to a mini board and HS-8 Using Factory patches OUT 2 I am to a Friedman ASC12, same as before using 1/4in to XLR. This used to melt my face at half volume now, not at all. something is wrong...forum.fractalaudio.com
So basically a +15db to +20db boost in the output block when using a unity gain output (Out2 on the Fm3 or Out 3/4 on the Axe) is normal, if trying to match the level to Output 1.
IE, there is nothing wrong doing that.
jellodog
Rock Star
- Messages
- 4,498
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JiveTurkey
Goatlord
- Messages
- 16,463
Laughs in already acquired RMA 
JiveTurkey
Goatlord
- Messages
- 16,463
Mongillo19
Rock Star
- Messages
- 5,308
Need to change title to
"Just RMA'd a Fryette LX. Thanks Whizz!"
"Just RMA'd a Fryette LX. Thanks Whizz!"
jellodog
Rock Star
- Messages
- 4,498
I dunno how much extra dB compensation you will actually need for Output 2.
But just start with:
- Split to dedicated Output 2 block in your grid
- Output 2 Copy set to “NONE”.
- Output 2 Type set to “LINE LEVEL”
- Output Level set to +4
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